Since Will started playing baseball, five years ago, I have helped coach and been at every game. Ok, I may have missed one in five years, but it was for some ridiculously good reason. It has been a joy to watch Will and the other kids develop skills and mature over the years. Some have a ton of athletic skill and use it to win. Some have athletic skill and are lazy; it comes too easy for them so work, in their minds, is not necessary to compete. Then there are the kids who are not the best player on the team, but can hit the ball, play the position whether it is the infield or outfield, and most importantly keep their heads in the game. As a coach, I would take these players, the ones with ” heart”, over a mini T.O. or any other super athlete I would have to babysit.
Having heart and commitment is what separates many of us from success or failure. Stepping out of our comfort zone and trying new things takes courage and a high level of dedication to the task. If one has the talent, but not drive or work ethic, what good is he? People give me advice and ask me about this and that in this new venture we have started, and I certainly do not have all the answers. I don’t know if this new painting, design or t shirt will sell or will be liked by anyone, but who can say until you try. I expect more failures than successes as Wm Lamb & Son develops, I will strike out at the plate and have ground balls runs between my legs, but I will not let my heart be troubled. My Faith gives me purpose and keeps my head in the game; my heart is resilient. I would rather be as the plate swing at pitches and loosing, than standing at the fence wondering what could be. Not that I have my moments of doute and discouragement; that is a daily event. But my Faith is strong; it picks me up and puts me back in the game.
This thing called life isn’t easy and it certainly hasn’t turned out like I had planned back in my teenage years. Some things haven’t worked out so well, while some things are better than I could have ever imagined. I can look back and see where I have lost heart in people and projects, but only to be rewarded and renewed with a different path that has been laid before me. My problem is keeping my drive and ambition in check and having patience with others and challenges I face.
Through it all, I must have the” heart” my son Will has on the ball field. He is not the strongest hitter or best fielder on the team, but watching him call out the plays, whether he is playing second base or centerfield, is make me proud and inspired. Sure he gets mad when he strikes out; he should, but he keeps swinging and the smile on his face when he rounds third headed for home warms my heart and makes it all worthwhile. The kids got heart and so must I.
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